PREFACE FOR 2008 UPDATE OF ORIGINAL JOURNAL
As is noted in the “Preface to Previous Editions – Page 84 at the back of this document,

Therehave been at least 5 versions of the Robert Gardner, Jr. Self History and Journal. The first was prepared by Reuben G. Miller in 1934. To honor Robert Gardner, Jr. for his contribution to St. George City, it was proposed that the statue of Robert be placed at Main and Tabernacle Streets – symbolic of the “cedar stake” he drove
into the ground as part of the first city survey in 1862. A Committee was formed to accomplish this task. The Committee discussed providing a copy of the “Journal” to those who made generous contributions toward the statue. As we looked into the process of making those Journals available, it became apparent to me, with my computing and engineering background, that we should “update” the Journal and make it available in “electronic form.” In the process of accomplishing that task, it also
became apparent that each of these 5 versions of the Journal was different. In addition I found that names, geographic locations and dates were inconsistent. So I attempted to “update” the Journal to
fix these problems. After searching for Robert’s original self history and missionary diary, I found Microfilm copies of them in the Archives of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in downtown Salt Lake City. Upon reading through several pages of these microfilms, I found that there were abridgements and errors in the primary documents – the 1934 Miller edition and subsequent editions. As a consequence my wife Jackie and I took on the task or “transcribing” from the microfilm to
a “raw” document and then edited that document to put it into sentences, paragraphs and more current English structure. The document presented here is that “update” and also includes maps and tables to allow the reader to better understand the enormity of the accomplishments and dedication of these Mormon Pioneers. I feel that I have gotten better acquainted with my Great Grandfather and his magnificent wives
and families. It has been a true inspiration and awakening for me as well as a delight to get to know them better.

Reed M. Gardner Reed.Gardner@hsc.utah.edu
1745 Cornell Circle 801-581-1164
Salt Lake City, UT 84108

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
A host of people have helped with the preparation of this updated Self History and Journal of Robert Gardner, Jr. Jacqueline C. Gardner, my wife and I have read and re-read the document at each phase of its “transcription” and assembly. Without her I would not have been able to complete the work. In addition many others have provided high quality photographs, genealogical information, and additional sources of information. In addition they have proofed and edit the manuscript. The
primary credit goes to Janet Gardner Ralph, Kathleen Stout, Doug Cox, Judy Nelson, Elizabeth Louise Gardner Liechty, Katherine Gardner Staheli, and Geniel E. Gardner.

Tremendous thanks goes to Richard E. Grossen, a Great, Great Grandson of Robert Gardner,Jr. who provided the intellectual ability and horsepower to produce the excellent maps presented in the document. In the future, the entire manuscript with its maps will be freely available in electronic form on the WEB. Richard will host the Web site and provide interactive maps and additional artifacts about this great man. Finally to Larry H. Gardner and the Robert Gardner Statue Committee who provided the need and inspiration to complete this work. THANK YOU ALL!!

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